First Ever Sigiriya Rallycross – A Day to Remember (Text and pix by Harsha Udayakantha Peiris)

The first ever Sigiriya Rallycross motor race which was organized by the Sri Lanka Air Force in association with the Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers and Riders (SLARDAR) and a much awaited event by the youths of the area was held on Sunday 27th September2009 at the Sigiriya Air Force Base with around 22 events for both motorbikes and cars.

Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers and Riders, better known as SLARDAR , a premier Motor racing organization in the country, conducting such events as the Foxhill, Gunners and Gajaba Supercross events, Rotherham Katukurunda(Air Force) Meet and other major motor sport events, in conjunction with the SRI LANKA AIR FORCE, for many reasons, embarked on this project to construct a purpose built ‘rally cross’ track, combining a part of the paved air strip and a section of the surrounding land at the Sigirya Air Force Base.

This project through its future sporting events of this nature is expected help to provide a source of much needed entertainment for the folk of the area, provide an opportunity for the Air Force to interact with the civil population by building ‘bridges’ of cooperation and understanding between themselves, provide an opportunity to enhance business opportunities for the many hotels, guest houses, restaurants and other trades around Sigiriya Rock by capitalizing on the expected large influx of visitors to witness such events, providing an ideal rally cross track for all motor sport enthusiasts and helping youngsters in the area to take up to autocross sport by observing some of the best drivers and riders in the country tackling this challenging track. Future events on the new track would definitely help to stimulate economic growth in the area. And therefore, it is the intention of the organizers to stage this event annually.

’Sigirirya Track’ has been made-up of the air strip itself and a part of the surrounding land on a 40 % (tarred track) to 60% (gravel track) basis. The inclusion of sharp 2nd gear corners and sweeping third gear corners, adding up to some 10 corners, provide a thrilling viewing experience for the spectators. The paved landing strip provide opportunity for high speed and the gravel track with a number of designed corners providing an opportunity to highlight the driving skill of the competitors. The track, in general, could be designated as being ‘Fast’.

Following is a pictorial text of some of the stunning events at the first ever Sigiriya Rally Cross held on Sunday the 27th September 2009 at which the riders challenged by a number of rammed earth ‘Jumps’, table-tops, and other autocross features to bring their ability and skill to the forefront in tackling this purpose built track.

(Special Thanks to Wing Commander Janake Nanayakkara, Flight Lieutenant Sampath Perera, Mr.Priyantha Jayarathne, Nirmal Ambanwala and Jagath Nawarathne).